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Please excuse the non-Van Life, non- Life Life post as we touch upon a cause that is near and dear to our hearts.

For years Jon and I ran the Boston Marathon and raised money for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. As a survivor of a TBI, my brother spent 6 months at Spaulding immediately following his accident. During that same time, I was also at Spaulding completing my internship for graduate school. From a personal and professional stand point, Spaulding is a big part of our family.

After running 10 consecutive Boston Marathon’s, I decided to hang it up in 2010, but my family continued the legacy. My brother-in-law, Mike, ran for Spaulding, followed by our dear friend (practically family) Mark Thomson. When the unofficial “Robbins” spot became available, Jon happily stepped up and ran in 2012 and 2013. Jon’s journey in 2012 was his first running for a charity and one that has left a lasting impression on our family and the team. He had Achilles Tendonitis going in to the marathon and by mile 7 he was reduced to a walk. He WALKED the following 19.2 miles. WALKED. Walking is much harder than running and shows a perseverance and determination that is practically in comprehendible. Determined to get revenge, he returned in 2013. And the rest, they say, is history. Jon didn’t get to complete his journey in 2013, but he and I were both safe at the finish line in light of the events that unfolded that year. And that’s all that matters. After the events in 2013, Spaulding became well known as a place where many of the bombing survivors sought rehab; thus, solidifying Spaulding as one of our most sacred institutions.

As the 2018 Boston Marathon approaches, Spaulding is actively recruiting team members. You don’t have to live in the Boston area. If you are even a little bit curious, please check out the team’s website and ask questions. I am close friends with the organizers. The money practically raises itself. Furthermore, the team has the best start and finish line venues of any other team. A comfortable and warm place to hang out before the gun and a lovely spot along the finish line for family and friends to gather as you take your final turn on to Boylston Street.